About
Dr. Mark Ryan built his medical career around one clear purpose: showing up for communities that healthcare has historically underserved. He earned his undergraduate degree from the College of William and Mary, then graduated from VCU School of Medicine in 2000. He completed his Family Medicine residency in Blackstone, Virginia in 2003, serving as Chief Resident.
After four years in private practice in Keysville, Virginia, Dr. Ryan moved to Richmond in 2007 to join Hayes E. Willis Health Center at Southside Plaza. He served as Medical Director there from 2014 to 2021. At VCU, he reached the rank of Professor and held the role of Vice Chair of Clinical Operations and Quality for the Department of Family Medicine and Population Health. He also directed the I2CRP program, which trained medical students committed to primary care in underserved settings, and served as Medical Director for Global Health programs. Dr. Ryan led medical service trips to the Dominican Republic for 18 years and speaks fluent English and Spanish. Richmond named him a Top Doc three times and a Top Doctor in Virginia twice. His colleagues recognized him as MCV Physicians Clinician of the Year in 2020. He and his spouse Janet have called Richmond home since 2007. Dr. Ryan steps into Sanctuary Family Medicine with a clear vision: a practice where every patient, regardless of identity or background, receives non-judgmental, person-centered care.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
College of William and Mary
Medical School
VCU School of Medicine (graduated 2000)
Residency
Family Medicine, Blackstone, Virginia (completed 2003); served as Chief Resident
Additional Training
Professor in VCU Department of Family Medicine and Population Health; Medical Director for Global Health programs; Medical Director for I2CRP program; Vice Chair of Clinical Operations and Quality, VCU Department of Family Medicine and Population Health
Languages
English, Spanish
Who is Dr. Ryan right for?
Dr. Ryan is a strong fit for patients who have felt unwelcome or unsafe in other healthcare settings. He serves adults, children, and families across a wide range of identities, including LGBTQ+ and transgender patients seeking affirming care. Spanish-speaking patients find a fully bilingual clinical environment at Sanctuary. Patients managing chronic conditions, reproductive health needs, or behavioral health concerns all find a home in his practice. His tiered pricing structure makes membership accessible to patients at many income levels.
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Family MedicineFrequently Asked Questions
Dr. Ryan practices full-scope family medicine, including preventive care, chronic disease management, reproductive care, behavioral health, and gender-affirming care for adults and children. He has spent over two decades serving low-income and historically marginalized communities in Richmond. His clinical work spans all ages and a wide range of health needs.
Yes. Dr. Ryan offers gender-affirming care for both adults and pediatric patients. He also provides queer and sexuality affirming care as part of his full scope of services. Sanctuary Family Medicine centers the safety and autonomy of LGBTQ+ patients throughout every interaction.
Dr. Ryan speaks fluent English and Spanish. He has cared for Spanish-speaking patients in South Richmond throughout his career. Sanctuary Family Medicine operates as a fully bilingual practice, offering services in both languages.
Dr. Ryan graduated from VCU School of Medicine in 2000 and completed his Family Medicine residency in Blackstone, Virginia in 2003. He served as Chief Resident during his residency. He later reached the rank of Professor at VCU's Department of Family Medicine and Population Health.
Dr. Ryan holds board certification in Family Medicine. He has practiced in this specialty since completing his residency in 2003, accumulating over two decades of clinical experience in Richmond and surrounding communities.
Richmond named Dr. Ryan a Top Doc three times. The state of Virginia recognized him as a Top Doctor twice. His peers at MCV Physicians named him Clinician of the Year in 2020. He has also held multiple regional, state, and national leadership positions throughout his career.
Dr. Ryan has worked in Richmond since 2007, when he joined Hayes E. Willis Health Center at Southside Plaza. He served as Medical Director there from 2014 to 2021. He has spent the bulk of his career caring for Richmond's underserved communities in South Richmond.
Dr. Ryan meets patients wherever they are on their health journey. He focuses on non-judgmental, person-centered care that respects each patient's goals, identity, and circumstances. He partners with patients rather than directing them, and he brings that philosophy into every appointment at Sanctuary Family Medicine.
Doctor profile last updated June 11, 2026